Choosing a Dog for Dummies

by Chris Walkowicz

Getting a dog is more like getting married than it is like buying a new car or lawnmower--it's a melding of spirits and a lifetime commitment. So, before you take the leap, you'd better make sure that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764553100
• ISBN13: 9780764553103
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The perfect starting point

I just finished reading this book and buying my first puppy. This was my bible. I even had folded down pages and brought the book with me when I went to pick up my puppy at the breeder. This book was great because if you go on the AKC web site, they describe dogs by the qualities I didn't care about. They talk about fur markings, tail length, and things about being show quality. This book told me what I wanted to know about each breed like if it's good with kids, how much it sheds, and typical behaviors you can expect. It does that for many breeds including those considered rare. All the info was here about how to find a puppy, questions to ask when interviewing breeders, what all the health certifications mean, etc. It's told from the perspective of a person on the inside who is clearly knowledgeable about the dog world. It would be nice if more of the pictures were in color, as opposed to just the top 20 breeds, but you can't have everything and it would cost a lot more if it did. But overall, it's a great book for someone interested in getting a dog and wanting to know about all the different breeds.

A Godsend!

This book is a Godsend for folks trying to decide which is the right breed of dog for them. Concise yet complete, and very readable. You sit down intending to glance through your new book, and end up reading it cover-to-cover (often laughing out loud). You now have a short list of possible breeds, and you know just what to do next, to find your dog. Great book for dog-hunters!

An invaluable resource

As a cat-owner looking for a dog, I needed help. I've only lived with cats during my lifetime (except the dog my parents had until I was 5). This book gives information about the different breeds of dogs, about finding a breeder or rescuing an animal, plus much much more. If you are looking into finding the type of dog that will fit into your household, I highly recommend this book. My husband also found it to be full of information, and he's been a dog-owner all of his life!

Choosing a Dog for Dummies - Reading this makes you a Smarty

As the author of this book, of course, I think it's great! Seriously, this book helps make researching a breed fun. I surveyed long-time owners and breeders of each breed, asking them to tell me the truth to avoid "mistake" purchases. This, in turn, will eliminate families with broken hearts and bewildered homeless dogs. In addition to the first time buyer, "Choosing a Dog for Dummies" also helps those looking for a second breed or someone who does breed referral or works in shelters.

Invaluable advice about selecting a "kid-friendly" dog

Chris Walkowicz's Choosing A Dog For Dummies is a simple, straightforward, easy-to-read, and dependable introduction on how to decide which pet qualities you value most and are compatible with your own particular life style; all of the practical steps to take in choosing a great dog for you; as well as all aspects of properly caring for your canine pet. Additionally, readers can find out about breed rescue, and there's an invaluable advice about selecting a "kid-friendly" dog. If you are considering the acquisition of a canine companion for you or your family, read Chris Walkowicz's Choosing A Dog For Dummies!